Encoded for for the Veterans History Project, October 15, 2020.
All letters in the William James Bean collection were digitized.
The following letters were transcribed from the handwritten originals by Veterans History Project staff. No alterations to this transcription has been made, although spelling errors are indicated with [sic]. Any special emphasis (i.e. underlining) is presented *between asterisks*.
March 21 1918
My Dear Mother
Just a few lines, while I have time to let you know I am well and feeling fine. We are still in Fort Hamilton but very unsettled.
An officer told us we were to leave last Wednesday, but so many people knew about it, and the grounds were so full of people they changed the departure.
They have us a nice hike to day down to 69th st shore road, then “equadis left” right on the dock beside a large Ditch steamer, I thought sure it was “ago” We stayed there for a short time then came back to the fort again.
All afternoon we have tent pitching and exercising
We may leave any time now, and I have not the least idea where to.
I wish you to tell all the Brothers and Happy if they do not get a letter from me it will be on account of no time to write or else I am so tired I can not write.
We were in the field for 8 or 9 hours yesterday and today a 9 mile hike in the morning and field work all afternoon.
Yesterday an old Mochuly looking woman gave us all a “housewife” yesterday. It consisted of salty pine needle thread, a testament, candy, soap, 2 stamps, writing paper and Hankucheft. all done up in an oilcloth roll. And it was donated to the soldiers by women from Some Christian Society.
It was very foggy last night the water was dropping from the trees, the walls were all wet under them
Last night was a band concert at the Y.M.C.A. it was very good only crowded.
And to night is motion pictures so I may take that in. and rest awhile, A fellow can not sleep here until 915 as every body is singing or rising the devil.
I was over to see Gut Sunday, she seemed pleased to see me. I surely had a very good time and they sure did feed me up. Everything from roast to lobster.
Harry is a good common good natured man. He gave me cigarettes and a case. The little girl is feeling good and looks fine I would give anything for a little girl like her in my home after the war
Bob Williams, as I hear is classed as a deserter. He is off now for the third time and it will go very hard with him this time he can get away anywhere from one year to life in a Federal jail. I see a fellow I thought was Shackleton, but did not speak to him, and soon enough I found out later it was him.
Well Mother, I will close with best wishes to you all. if you do no hear from me for a long time you can guess where I am.
Keep the home fires burning.
So long for now
I am your Son
Bill.
P.S. This pillow is a soft thing to write on. Tell Bob I got his letter and will answer some time if I can.